Lip fillers are one of the most requested aesthetic treatments in North York and Toronto. But for most people considering them for the first time, the questions aren’t just about results — they’re about what the experience actually involves. This guide covers what happens before, during, and after a lip filler appointment at MJ Aesthetics, with realistic expectations about results and recovery.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are injectable treatments — almost always hyaluronic acid (HA) — that add volume, shape, and definition to the lips. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body, which is why HA fillers are generally well tolerated and reversible with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed.
Common goals for lip filler include adding overall volume, defining the border (vermillion border), lifting a downturned mouth, balancing the upper and lower lip ratio, or addressing fine lines around the lip area (perioral lines).
Before Your Appointment
A consultation happens before any treatment. During this appointment, Mehran Javidan, IMG, reviews your lip anatomy, facial proportions, and what result you’re hoping for. This is the time to be specific — bring photos of results you like, but also be honest about what you don’t want (overfilled lips, obvious augmentation).
In the days before your appointment, you’ll generally be advised to:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements where medically safe to do so (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E)
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before
- Stay hydrated
- Disclose any history of cold sores — antiviral medication may be recommended in advance if you’re prone to outbreaks, as trauma to the lip area can trigger them
What Happens During the Appointment
The lips are numbed with a topical anaesthetic before treatment begins. Most HA fillers also contain lidocaine, which adds a second layer of comfort during injection. The injections themselves typically take 15 to 30 minutes.
The provider uses a fine needle or cannula depending on the technique and area being treated. You’ll feel pressure and possibly some stinging, but most patients find it manageable.
Immediately after treatment, your lips will look larger than the final result due to swelling. This is normal and not an accurate reflection of the final outcome.
After Your Appointment: The First 2 Weeks
The recovery timeline for lip fillers is relatively short, but it’s important to understand what to expect so you’re not concerned about normal responses.
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Significant swelling, possible bruising, lips appear larger than final result |
| Day 3–5 | Swelling begins to reduce, shape becomes clearer, bruising may peak |
| Day 7–10 | Most swelling resolved, result closer to final appearance |
| Day 14 | Final result visible, product fully settled |
Aftercare to follow
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
- Avoid extreme heat (sauna, steam room) for 48 hours
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated on the first night
- Do not press or massage the lips unless specifically instructed to
- Avoid applying pressure from glasses, straws, or pursing the lips excessively in the first 24 hours
What Results Actually Look Like
The outcome of lip filler depends on starting anatomy, how much product is used, and the technique applied. Most first-time patients receive 0.5ml to 1ml of filler. A smaller amount is often recommended for first treatments to allow assessment of how your lips respond before adding more.
Results typically last 6 to 12 months, though this varies based on the product used, how your body metabolizes it, and the area treated. The upper lip tends to break down filler faster than the lower.
One thing worth knowing: gradual, repeated treatments over time often produce more refined, natural-looking results than a single large treatment. Lips that have been filled incrementally over several sessions tend to look different — and better — than those that received a large volume all at once.
Common Concerns and When to Contact the Clinic
Some bruising, swelling, and tenderness is expected and not a reason for concern. However, you should contact MJ Aesthetics promptly if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain after the first 24 hours
- Blanching (white patches) or discolouration on or around the lips — this can indicate vascular compromise, which requires immediate attention
- Significant asymmetry after day 14 when swelling has fully resolved
- Any signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever
Are Lip Fillers Right for You?
Lip fillers are not suitable for everyone. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active cold sores or infection in the treatment area, or have certain autoimmune conditions require individual assessment or may not be candidates. The consultation at MJ Aesthetics is where candidacy is established — not online.
All treatments at MJ Aesthetics are performed under appropriate physician delegation in accordance with Ontario’s Regulated Health Professions Act.
If you’re considering lip fillers in North York, start with a consultation. Book your appointment at MJ Aesthetics and come with your questions — there are no commitments at that stage.
Related reading: Lips, Cheeks, or Jawline? How to Choose Your First Dermal Filler Area